The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-04-08

umns of the MIDLAND JOURNAL on
what day of the tceek you make your
lsving? q.
The above may be interpreted many
ways as to its real intention.
First. We hope it is not intend ed as
impertinence.
Secondly. Probably it might have
been suggested by my discourse last
Sunday night. Remember the Sabbath
day to keep it holy" inferring that my
hardest work was on the Sabbath.
In answering this question fully,
will have to enlighten my friend on
the subject of the Christian Ministry.
The Christian ministry is one of the
most ancient institutions appointed
by God, ordained tor expounding, de-
Tending and dissemin ating the Gospel.
The Great Head of the church has or
dainsd ''some apostles and some pro-
phets and some evangelists, and some
pastors and teachers, for the perfecting
of the Saints for the work of the min
istry for the edifying of the Saints.''
Here we have the recognition of the
christian ministry as Divine institu-
ton. Among all the offices ever APP
pointed by God this is the most import
ant. A christian minister has not only
important functions to perform, his
responsibilities are more weighty than
any other office, because his work deals
with spiritual and eternal interests of
men, he is that great repository of
Gods thoughts and mysteries, and woe
be to that minister who is not found
faithful. Being Gods ambassador he
negotiates with man as it pertains to
his interests, pleading, praying and
studying every day for his salvation
and eternal life.
The christian ministry are set aside
for this important every day work, not
being allowed to enter into any secular
work. Proof The Saviour walking
bv the sea of Gallilee, he saw two
brethren, Simon and Andrew, casting
a net into the sea: for they we're fishers
and he said unto them, toilow me and
will make you as fishers of men and
they straightway left their nets and
followed him." They renowned their
worldly business for the ministry, the
occupation of fishery for that of saving
souls. Christ 'saw a publican named
Levi sitting at the receipt of custom,
and he said unto him, follow me, and
he left oil, rose up, and followed him."
There are no other interests So i'm
portant to man as those of religion
therefore ministers require more vigil
lance, more mental application, more
deyotedness and zeal than anv other
class of men In this sinful world. Min
listers not only possess great intellect
ual power but great spiritual influence,
unbroken application concentrated tai
ents and life to God and christianity.
Its not q day" my friend, in the week
Il make my living" its lifetime. God
desires through this agency accompan-
led with lay agency the conversion of
the world. Faith cometh bv hearing
and hearing by the word of God, but
how shall they hear without preach
er? and how shall they preach unless
they be sent? Science, literature and
worldly business force US to the con
clusion that men must be suitably quail
flied to meet all their energies, and
welcome them; in this their ministers |
usefulness is unprecedented by any
class of men. AS a minister / have no |
days or weeks, it is one continuous
ddy of work-wOrk -brain-spirit soul
for my neighbors' salvation. This Di-
vine institution dedication to the min
istry-God undertakes to support. He |
ordained the sons of Levi to the service |
of The altar, ordained that the other |
tribes should support them-Christ |
speaking of the mlnistry-''The work
man is worthy of his meat" and |
''that the laborer is worthy of his hire
The word 'meat" means not only nee
essary food, but sustenante or support |
in general. The word rendered here"
means recompence. The Saviour plain
ly taught the doctrine that every faith
full and devoted minister is fully EMIT
led to comfortable living Even SO
hath tbn Lori ordained that thaV